"Not that surely," said MacNair, "but scientists knowing that magnetic
currents often pass more readily through opaque than transparent
substances, began to search for rays of this kind that would pass
through dark bodies and be reflected by substances beyond. At last
they succeeded in securing a photograph through wood and metal, and
then, all that was required in order to enable us to see through opaque
matter, was an optical instrument that would cast the reflection on the
retina of the eye. This, in the course of time, was accomplished. And
now, these wonderful discoveries are used by the medical profession,
in order to enable them to look into the bodies of their patients
and examine the internal organs. And, these electro-magnetic optical
instruments have been so improved that they are in general use, in
observations where opaque bodies obstruct the view."
"And do you tell me this as sober truth?" I asked.
"Certainly," responded MacNair, "I propose to give you a practical
demonstration. You discovered that the space between us and the zenith
was opaque to your vision. Now, take these glasses and adjust them to
your eyes and look through those semi-transparent sections, which are
like a lace-work of tubes. The penetrating power of these glasses, you
see, can be increased or decreased by moving this slide. They enable
you to use the magnetic rays which pass through all substances for the
purpose of vision."
We followed his directions and the first glance gave us an ocular
demonstration that the surface was concave. "Now," continued MacNair,
"in order to get the best idea of the leading geographical outlines of
this inner world, I want you to examine with your glasses a zone from
the horizon in front of us, through the zenith to the horizon behind
us. We are now moving on an airline for your future home in Altruria.
Our course is a little south of west and the distance about one
thousand miles. We are now very near the center of the Oscan ocean.
East of us is the continent of Atlan. So, a zone, extending through
the zenith along the line on which we are moving will pass through the
equatorial belt, and give you a clear concept of the great centers of
population and material improvement. This is the most important part
of the world for you to study for the present, and until you learn the
language and mingle with the people, you must depend upon your eyes as
the chief source of information."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account